Saturday, March 14, 2015

Using the Yongnuo remote flash trigger with the Fuji X-T1 -- Part II


Some time ago I wrote a post about using a remote flash trigger that can be used on a Fuji X-camera to set off a remote flash, like the Nikon SB series.  Since then there I have received a number of emails, comments, and questions on the topic that I thought I'd do a Part II addendum to the former post with step-by-step illustrations of how to go about setting them up.

Any flash used with a Fuji X-camera, other than a dedicated Fuji flash, can only be used in manual or automatic mode. 

As a side benefit, the two Yongnuo units can be set up as a wireless remote control of the camera. Simply attach a cord from the side of the unit to the cable release input on the Fuji X-camera. 

These are the two remote units that come with the package. The Yongnuo model number is: RF-603NII, where "N" in the number stands for Nikon model. There is also a Canon model that I think should also work, but I don't have Canon gear to test one, and have read some reports of problems with the Canon version and an X-T1.

These units are transceivers, meaning they can both transmit and receive depending upon how they are set. A pair of them costs a little over $30. You need one for the camera to transmit, and one for the flash to receive. The package also comes with a cable to convert the two units into a wireless remote control trigger for the Fuji X-camera.

Mount the RF-603 on the X-T1 hot shoe and turn it on to TX, for transmit.

Mount the second unit on the flash and turn it on to TRX, for receive. You can test the connection from either unit by pressing the test button on top.of it. 

When shooting with a flash on a Fuji X-camera, the frame rate needs to be set to "S" for Single, otherwise the camera will not shoot. 

Here the Nikon flash is set to ON and Manual mode. Note that the flash focal length is set to FX zoom. To be totally accurate this should be changed to DX when used with the Fuji X APS sensor.

In this instance, the Nikon flash is turned ON and set to Auto mode.The flash automatically adjusts it output to achieve the correct exposure.  I find that this works quite well and the exposure can be further adjusted on the Fuji camera by using the exposure compensation dial.  

Here the Nikon flash is set up as a Master unit so that it can control another flash, either another Nikon flash or a second Yongnuo flash. In this case, both units are on Channel 1. We could set up more units on the same or different channels.

Below is a short video I did to demo the setup on a Fuji X-T1, X100T, and X-Pro1.



Any of these units will work with a Fuji X-camera, but only designated units can also be controlled by a Nikon or Canon camera so be careful about which model you are ordering. It gets confusing and the prices vary slightly, but here is a list with a link to their availability on Amazon. You can also find them on eBay, but by ordering on Amazon  you get the instant gratification of receiving them right away. 

For pro Nikon cameras and the X-T1:
Yongnuo RF-603NII-N1 Wireless Flash Trigger Kit for Nikon D700, D750, D800, D810, D1 D2 D3 D4, D4s

For amateur Nikon cameras and D610 series, and the X-T1:
Yongnuo RF-603NII-N3 Wireless Flash Trigger Kit for Nikon Nikon D90 / D7000 / D7100 / D5000-5500/ D3100 - D3300 / D600 / D610

For pro Canon cameras and a Fuji X-camera:
Yongnuo Upgrade RF-603 II C3 2.4GHz Wireless Flash Trigger/Wireless Shutter Release Transceiver for Canon 1D/1DS, EOS 5D Mark II/5D/7D/50D/40D/30D/20D/10D Series (RF603II C3)

For Canon cameras and Fuji X-camera:

5 comments:

  1. Tom,
    I have been looking for a solution to use my X-T1 in conjunction with my Nikon SB700 and my SB400. Quick question: Will this work in TTL mode?
    Many Thanks. As I've written before I LOVE your stock work!
    J

    ReplyDelete
  2. The Yongnuo device will not do TTL with the Nikon flash units on a Fuji X camera. I have read about a new (much more expensive) unit by RoboShoot that claims to do TTL with a Fuji X camera. It is due out soon. You might want to look them up. The real problem seems to be with the Fuji camera accepting TTL from any flash.

    Thanks for you comment! - t

    ReplyDelete
  3. Not having luck with the 603CII's and my XT1. The test buttoms will fire the flash, but when i press the shutter...? Nothing. Do i need to get the Nikon versions?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Check if your camera configuration is not blocking the flash. For example it MUST not be in any way on electronic shutter.

      Delete
  4. Not having luck with the 603CII's and my XT1. The test buttoms will fire the flash, but when i press the shutter...? Nothing. Do i need to get the Nikon versions?

    ReplyDelete